Retired NYPD Lt. Joseph Wolff delivered the keynote address at the 2026 Withlacoochee Chapter SAR Military Ball on November 7, 2026. Wolff spoke about service and sacrifice, drawing on his family’s military history and his own 25 years with the New York City Police Department.
Wolff said his father served in World War II and was captured by the Germans, spending 18 months in a prisoner-of-war camp. His uncle Franklen died in that war. Wolff’s two younger uncles both served as Marines during the Korean War and were decorated for bravery in battle.
Wolff said he was with the NYPD on September 11, 2001, when the country came under attack. He said he has watched many friends and fellow officers die, some that day and many others in the months and years that followed from their work during the recovery and cleanup efforts.
Wolff said he holds the highest regard for anyone who has worn a uniform and put themselves in harm’s way, including military, law enforcement, fire service and emergency medical personnel. He argued that ordinary people also act as first responders, pointing to the passengers and crew aboard the flights and others who made extraordinary decisions on September 11.
Originally reported by Hernando Sun
